Water doesn't get the same media attention as green tea, antioxidants, and the latest fad diets. Yet it plays a much more critical part in our daily lives and our bodies.
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every system depends on water. So water is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
"It's definitely essential," says Jim White, registered dietitian and personal trainer in Virginia Beach, Va., and American Dietetic Association spokesman.
"What we're finding is so many people are deficient," he notes. "We're seeing a huge decrease in athletic performance and fatigue that's caused by the lack of hydration."
You can stay fully hydrated throughout the day by drinking water and other fluids, as well as eating foods that are hydrating.
What Counts as Water?
Fruits are an excellent source for water. Watermelon is 90% water, so it ranks highest on the list. Oranges, grapefruit, and melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are also strong contenders.
Vegetables, though not as full of water as fruit, can also provide a nutrient-rich water source. Stick with celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and Romaine lettuce.
There are plenty of hidden sources of water in your diet, says White. If you want to tap into these foods, reach for oatmeal, yogurt, soup, and smoothies.
Besides guzzling water, milk is a top choice to refuel. Sodas, even diet ones, get a bad rap for lacking nutritional value, but they can still be hydrating. Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating -- you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water.
Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.
Alcohol is a huge dehydrator, says White. You should try to limit your intake, but if you are going to raise a glass, aim for at least a one-to-one ratio with water.
If you don't like the taste of plain water, White suggests adding lemon to it. Or test out your own concoction, like sparkling water with raspberries with a sprig of mint.
How Much Water Should I Drink?
Parents should make sure that children and teens are getting adequate hydration throughout the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children drink plenty of fluids before starting any exercise and continue to drink during physical activity.
During exercise, the AAP suggests drinking about 3-8 ounces of water every 20 minutes for children 9-12 and about 34-50 ounces per hour for adolescent boys and girls.
Athletes need to take precautions to avoid dehydration. White recommends drinking 16 ounces one hour prior to exercise, 4-8 ounces every 15 minutes during exercise, and another 16 ounces an hour after exercise. The amounts can vary depending on your personal response, heat index, and the type of activity.
"If you're sweating, you're losing water," says Nancy Clark, MS, RD, sports dietitian in Chestnut Hill, Mass., and author of Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook.
How can you tell if you're getting enough fluids during the day? You can tell by checking your urine color and output. If you're urinating every two to four hours, the output is light-colored, and there's significant volume, then you're probably well-hydrated.
"That's a very simple, easy way to monitor hydration," says Clark. "If you go from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon without peeing, then you're dehydrated."
Signs of Dehydration
How can you tell if you're dehydrated? You might feel tired, cranky, moody, or get a headache. "As the body gets dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the vessels," explains Clark.
To get a better handle on your hydration levels, White recommends keeping a water log. "Everyone tracks food. How often do we track our water intake?" he asks.
For techie types, there are free apps that pop up with water reminders throughout the day. Whatever method works best for you, drink up and stay well hydrated.
I'm an experienced nutritionist and fitness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the crucial role that water plays in our daily lives and overall well-being. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having worked with individuals to optimize their hydration levels for enhanced performance and health.
Water is often overshadowed by trendy topics like green tea, antioxidants, and fad diets in the media. However, its significance cannot be overstated. Our bodies are composed of approximately 60% water, and every system within relies on water to function optimally. From maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails to regulating body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, water is essential.
Jim White, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, emphasizes the prevalence of dehydration and its detrimental effects on athletic performance and overall energy levels. Hydration is not solely about drinking water; it extends to consuming water-rich foods. Fruits like watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, and hydrating vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and Romaine lettuce contribute significantly to our water intake.
Moreover, various beverages and foods, including milk, soups, smoothies, and even sodas (with moderate sugar content), can contribute to hydration. Coffee and tea, despite previous misconceptions, are also considered hydrating, as their diuretic effects do not offset their hydrating benefits.
However, alcohol is highlighted as a significant dehydrator, and its consumption should be moderated. When it comes to children, teens, and athletes, specific recommendations are provided to ensure adequate hydration levels during different activities.
Monitoring hydration is crucial, and indicators such as urine color and frequency can serve as practical tools. A water log is recommended for tracking daily intake, and technology-driven solutions like apps with water reminders can aid in maintaining hydration goals.
In conclusion, understanding the various sources of hydration, debunking myths, and implementing practical strategies to ensure adequate water intake are essential components of a holistic approach to health and well-being. Remember, staying well-hydrated is not just about guzzling water but making conscious choices throughout the day to support your body's hydration needs.
